Train Operator Punched at Acton Town Station
Attacked by passenger who had fallen asleep on terminated tube
Acton Town station platform. Picture: Matt Buck
September 3, 2024
A report to be presented to a Transport for London (TfL) committee has revealed details of a previously unreported assault on a train operator at Acton Town station.
On 13 January of this year a train operator was punched in the face by a man who had fallen asleep on a train that had terminated at the station. Other station staff came to his assistance and British Transport Police attended and arrested the man.
He was later charged Common Assault and on April 25, 2024, was ordered to pay fines, costs and compensation totalling £815.
London Underground staff are usually trained to check trains at terminating stations to wake up any sleeping passengers and guide them safely off the train. However, they are sometimes subject to abuse particularly when the passenger has taken drink or drugs.
TfL’s Safety, Sustainability and Human Resources Panel is due to consider a report in which the Acton Town assault is highlighted. Reports suggest that so far this year there have been approximately 200 incidents of abuse—both physical and verbal—against Transport for London (TfL) staff every week. This has prompted TfL to launch an extensive campaign to protect its employees and prosecute offenders.
The report to be presented to the committee states, "Our TfL Work-Related Violence and Aggression Strategy sets out our commitments to our people and the key activity we will undertake to eliminate WVA and support those who experience it. “
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